The Lafayette County Health Department Board of Trustees announced Breann Jensen as the new health department administrator.

A resident of Higginsville, Jensen was raised in Randolph County and is a graduate of Northeast R-IV High School in Cairo. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health in 2015 from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

Jensen has served as the Health Department’s Health Educator since January 2016.

Most recently, Jensen has taken a lead on the COVID-19 pandemic response.

“I am honored to take on this position and excited for this opportunity,” Jensen said. “My family lives in Lafayette County. I want to see the health of our community improve, see us address health disparities such as poverty and access to care, and rebuild relationships within the community.”

Jensen’s goals for the immediate future are to continue evaluating current programs and identify areas in which the health department can improve upon how it delivers public health and connects with community partners.

“I’m excited to continue to be involved and out in the community,” Jensen added. “With limited funding, our partnerships with other agencies are vital. We are stronger together and can better reach populations when we work together.”

Jensen is replacing former Director Tom Emerson who retired from his position this month.

Photo courtesy Lafayette County Health Department